Panthers: How much is too much for Christian McCaffrey?
The Carolina Panthers want him to see an increased workload come the fall…..
As training camp begins for the Carolina Panthers, there have been many concerns in regards to injuries. Although this is not an injury concern as was the unfortunate theme to start training camp , David Newton delivered news Wednesday that should make Carolina Panthers fans raise an eyebrow.
With Christian McCaffrey averaging 7.3 carries per game in 2017, head coach Ron Rivera stated that he would like to see the workload increase (by a lot) in 2017.
"“I could see Christian, especially if he continues to develop the way we think he can, being a very integral part of what we want to do,” Rivera said after players reported to training camp at Wofford College.“I don’t want to get to the point where everything starts through him, because it’ll always be through the quarterback [Cam Newton]. But he can be one of those guys that hopefully gets the ball 25 to 30 times a game. That would be ideal.”"
This is a huge jump for McCaffrey. To put everything in perspective, Carolina ran 64.5 plays per game last season per numbers from TeamRankings.com. If Rivera wants CMC to get the ball at least 25 to 30 times (and that is a fluid estimate), he would be accounting for half of the offense’s production.
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As Newton notes, only a few players have ever made that big of a jump in terms of an increase in production. One of the players to do so was LaDainian Tomlinson, who went from 24.9 to 28.2 touches in 2001-02. Coincidentally, Norv Turner was the San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator in 2001. It is no secret that Tunrer likes to use the running backs.
To be honest, I am concerned about the increase in production wearing McCaffrey down. Over the course of a couple games, he could handle it due to the fact he is so versatile. Could he sustain these numbers over the course of a season? He is not the biggest guy in the world and with those plays adding up, this could become an issue.
I am also wondering where C.J. Anderson fits into the equation. With the amount of times that McCaffrey will get the ball in theory, combined with the amount of times the Carolina Panthers will pass the ball, does this leave a lot of opportunities for Anderson? My guess is probably not.
The leader in plays run per game for the 2017 campaign was New England with 67.5. I could see the Carolina Panthers running at least 70 plays per contest, as this offense looks to be one of high volume. McCaffrey appears to be the one who will take on most of the volume (as was hinted at earlier in the offseason,) but will he be able to handle it?
Next. More questions highlight start to camp. dark
He better be ready, because the Carolina Panthers are counting on him.